Fold-up Bath Bench with Stepped-down Booster Seat

ABSTRACT

A portable, fold-up bath bench for common alcove bathtubs has a stepped-down booster seat attached in front of the bench to assist people as they lower and raise themselves within the tub. The bench is pivotally attached to the rear rim of the tub; resting on the side walls of the tub in the down position, or standing up against the abutting wall in the raised position. The booster seat provides an intermediate seat midway between the bench and the tub floor, thereby making it easier to lower and lift yourself in the tub. When you are seated on the floor of the tub, the booster seat folds back against the rear wall of the tub, allowing you to stretch out, with full use of the tub. This device is a simple, self-assist mechanism which operates without any ancillary-power source. The bench design can be modified for use in free-standing bathtubs

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to bath benches, and more particularly, to an improved bath bench which makes it easier and safer for a person to enter the tub, lower and raise themselves within the tub, and exit the tub.

2) Description of Related Art

It is well known that many people slip, fall and injure themselves in bathtubs. While many bath benches, chairs, lifts, slings, hoists and other devices are available to assist people as they get in and out of the tub and raise and lower themselves within the tub, none of these devices have all the features of this simple, self-assist device which operates without any ancillary power source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved means of entering and exiting a bathtub, and raising and lowering oneself within the bathtub. It is a particular object to provide a portable, fold-up bath bench with a stepped-down booster seat and all of the following features:

-   -   a simple, self-assist mechanism which requires no ancillary         power source     -   adaptable to fit alcove, drop-in, or stand-alone bathtubs with         either left or right drains     -   easily attached and detached from the tub     -   supported on the sides and rear rim of the tub     -   hinged to stand up on rear rim of tub     -   latch(es) to hold it upright in a vertical position     -   support arms hinged to the bench to hold the booster seat     -   support arms adjust to raise of lower the booster seat to suit         the depth of the tub     -   recessed front edge on the bench, for access to the booster seat     -   pin hinges holding the booster seat between the arms     -   booster seat with two sections; the seat and the slide     -   booster seat which pivots up to become a backrest     -   drain slots or holes thru the bench and booster seat     -   protective non-skid pads under the bench and booster seat slide

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, which is believed to be novel in its manner of operation, has features which may best be understood by reference to the following descriptions, and accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing showing the present invention attached to a common alcove bathtub (cut-away view) with the bench and booster seat in the down position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing showing the present invention, with the bench pivoted up to the vertical position and the booster seat in the down position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing showing both the bench and booster seat pivoted up, with the booster seat slide folded back as a backrest.

FIG. 4 is a perspective drawing showing the bench in the down position resting on the sides of the tub, and the booster seat and booster seat slide folded against the rear wall of the tub, under the bench.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Although it is to be understood that the invention may have various sizes, shapes and means of attachment to suit different bathtubs, the preferred embodiment herein shown and described is suitable for common alcove bathtubs.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the bench (1) in an alcove bathtub (cut-away view). The bench is in the down position, resting on the walls of the tub. Pivot hinges (2) with angulate knuckles positioned on the rear edge of the bench fasten to the top of the tub and/or the rear abutting alcove wall with adhesive tape or velcro strips (not visible) to prevent the bench from slipping sideways or forward. A metal plate (9) on the top of the bench connects with a magnetic latch mounted on the abutting wall (10) to hold when the bench when it is pivoted upright.

Support arms for the booster seat (3) attach to the rear hinges of the bench and extend down the back wall of the tub. The arms have locking slip joints (4) which adjust to position the rear of the booster seat at the desired height. Pin hinges (5) at the ends of the support arms connect to the rear of the booster seat (6 a), while the front of the booster seat has a fold-down slide (6 b) which stands on the tub floor. Folding hinges (7) connect the booster seat (6 a) and the booster seat slide (6 b) and pads (8) protect the tub surface.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the bench (1) pivoted up against the wall with the booster seat (6 a) and booster seat slide (6 b), in the down position. Protective pads (8) under the booster seat slide protect the tub surface.

FIG. 3 shows the bench (1) and booster seat (6 a) both standing upright with the slide section (6 b) folded back agains the booster seat.

FIG. 4 shows the bench (1), in the down position, with the booster seat (6 a), and booster seat slide (6 b) folded together beneath the bench.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED MATERIALS

Hi-strength materials that are waterproof, resistant to mold, and easy to clean, such as plastics, aluminum alloys, stainless steel or teak wood should be used for all components.

NOTE: While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated, other embodiments and features can be incorporated into different adaptations. For instance, the bench and booster seat may be plastic straps or woven plastic fabric; the extendable support arms may be telescoping tubes; other wall latches may be used; clasps may be added to hold the bench together when folded for transport or storage.

HOW TO USE THE INVENTION

Get In: Place the bench, booster seat, and booster seat slide in the down position. Stand alongside the tub with your back to the bench and sit down on the bench. Turn and swing one leg, then the other, into the tub. Facing forward, slide out to the middle of the bench. Get Down: Hold the bench, and lower yourself onto the booster seat. Reach back and raise the bench up off the tub until it latches against the rear alcove wall. You can choose to bathe in this position, seated on the booster seat, or you can slide off the booster seat, down to the tub floor. When you are sitting on the tub floor, fold the slide back and pivot the booster seat up, against the rear wall of the tub, wherein it serves as a backrest. Get Up: When you are ready to exit the tub, slide ahead and pivot the booster seat down behind you. Unfold the slide section forward so it locks in place. Hold the booster seat and raise yourself onto it. Now reach back and lower the bench; grasp the bench and raise yourself up onto it. Get Out: Slide over to the side of the tub, turn and swing your legs out, hold the bench and stand up, out of the tub. 

What is claimed:
 1. A folding, self-assist bathtub bench with a stepped-down booster seat, comprising; A bench adapted to be supported by a rear rim and sidewalls of a bathtub, the bench including pivot hinges adapted to pivotally attach the bench to either the rear rim of the bathtub or an abutting rear wall so that the bench can be pivoted down and be supported by the rear rim and sidewalls of the bathtub, or be pivoted up to a standing position against the wall at the rear of the tub; A stepped-down booster seat attached beneath the bench; Support arms having one end attached to said pivot hinges on said bench and a second end that extends beneath the bench with pin hinges that are attached to said booster seat wherein the booster seat can be positioned down, as a seat, or up, as a backrest; and Pads are provided under the bench and booster seat to protect the surface of the tub. 